Friday, March 13, 2015

An Enchanting Pampering at Aum Spa

Crimsom Resort wouldn't be categorized as a spa for nothing. I've been to a lot of spa and wellness centers in Manila but Aum outshines them all. Tourists make way to take a break from civilaztion and allow themselves to be cocooned in the lavish treatments that Cebu has to offer. Aum is just one of the man examples of Cebu's signature warmth and kindness.

Wining last year's World Luxury Spa Awards (2014), it only shows that Crimson does not compromise on guests' luxurious relaxation, and they are serious when they say the facility is an enclave of wellness that exudes serenity and bliss.

The Balinese theme of Crimson is extended in the spa, which is a couple of steps away from the hotel's main entrance and compound. After settling in to our rooms, I left my kids with their dad and whisked my way to Aum.

Leaving Manila and all its chaotic tones for a three-day trip in the beautiful Queen City of the South is all worth it. However, nothing compares to having a few longing hours here and just be in complete surrender to the lavish massages that I was so looking forward to.

Aum, as according to Hinduism is attributed to the mantra or divinity sound "Om." In meditation, the sound should be efficient enough to hear the other three sounds A-U-M to get the highest spirituality. The three syllables AUM [a (a-kāra), u (u-kāra), m (ma-kāra)] combined altogether is said to be the symbolic representation of Om. A-kara means form or shape like earth, trees, or any other object. U-kāra means formless or shapeless like water, air or fire. Ma-kāra means neither shape nor shapeless (but still exists) like the dark energy content of the Universe (Wikipedia).

Try it! Close our eyes, breath in deeply and say a u m...feel the vibrating sound from our tonsils to our nostrils? Say it again...

According to a website that I read, chanting Om mantra, can bring peace, protection and abundance in your life. In Yoga and meditation, it helps reach a higher state of consciousness, like a blissful inner silence.

It's namesake purely summarizes what they aim to bring their guests after visiting Aum.

I have taken the luxury of getting a short 360 degree view of the lobby.

As you enter, the staff behind the counter welcomes you with a greeting, "Maayong buntag." After confirming my pre-arranged booking with them, he had me sit on one of the Kenneth Cobunpue chairs. The relaxing lounge of stylish indoor garden-feel, accentuated with a long stretch of pool with running water, surrounding the whole lobby is an even better welcoming factor. Here is where you begin your sensuous journey of well being from a variety of treatments designed for every guests' pampering needs.

While I was checking out their list of treatments, I was given a roll of cold towel and cold tamarind ginger tea with honey. They have three different signature treatments - authentic, unique and meaningful.

Before I got to choose my treatment, I was given a form to fill up, it's a fact sheet they give their guests, to know how they should be taken care of, this includes how they want the massages should be. I chose medium strokes for now, cause I was looking forward to having a dinner with friends somewhere out in the hills of Cebu City.

Then, Mario, one of the head masseuse came and discussed the treatment that was most suitable for me. I had to make sure though that my therapist knows that I have a badly sore right shoulder that needed more pressure.

After that, I was led inside the facility and was shown around.

This view was on my left as I've enter the corridor.

On my right is this mini garden view.

This is the waiting room. It is where you can stay after taking a bath or using the sauna before the massage.

Next to it is the locker and changing rooms.

The bathrooms.

The comfort room.

Sauna and steam bath rooms.

They have a Watsu pool, too.

Watsu is a gentle form of body therapy performed in warm water, (around 35°C.) It combines elements of massage, joint mobilisation, shiatsu, muscle stretching and dance. The receiver is continuously supported while being floated, cradled, rocked and stretched. The deeply relaxing effects of warm water and nurturing support, combine with Watsu's movements, stretches, massage and point work, to create a bodywork with a range of therapeutic benefits and potential healing on many levels. (credit)

From a backdoor, you will reach the spa pool, bar and cabanas, great for private spa and pool parties

Entrance to the pavilion.

It has none air-conditioned couple cabanas

After the short trip around the spa center, I was given my locker key, a robe, towel, disposable undie and slippers were all prepared for my perusal. On it's left corner, is a basket to put used towels.

After taking a hot shower, and drying my hair, I'm now ready for the much-anticipated massage.

Here is btw, a room for a couple, right next to my therapy room, dimly lit and scented with a light calming blend of citrus and lavender. Again, I was graciously greeted, and with a foot ritual, the sesh began. Seated comfortably on a stool, Roselle, my therapist, sat on the floor and scattered salt (infused with mint) on the warm bougainvillea bestrewn water. My feet was then gently put on the basin with the prepared water. A soothing background music was being played, completing the whole censorial experience. After having it dried with a towel she told me to remove my robe and lie face down on the bed.

From there I was transported to Lala land.

I was given the Botanical Massage under the Aum Meaningful Signature Massages. With this kind of treatment, an elite, organic skin care line is being used. I am so happy that they will be using Pevonia Botanica in all my body and facial treatments.

I had one of the most favorable one hour and fifteen minutes of pure bliss, with Roselle's soft hands. The smooth strokes plus Pevonia's Micro-Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress released pent up tension and fatigue in my muscles. The massage movement known as "effleurage" is a calming stroke with even pressure applied. She didn't have to ask of my body's trigger points or nodules, she knows, and well my back and shoulders just scream with it.

The Pevonia's delightfully aromatic massage oil has these ingredients- nourishing Safflower, Geranium, and Orange Oils blend, which helped to activate circulation, replenish elasticity and give my skin extra boost of hydration as it relieved it from dryness, especially after being in the sun for two days in a row.

An express facial followed after, if only I could have stayed longer, I would have added 30 more minutes to the massage, not that I wasn't satisfied with it, it was actually very relaxing and it was just an addicting luxury but one that's good for health.

At this point, my husband had been calling me on my mobile, as he was already groomed for our date with his Cebuano couple friends. I did answer one of his calls though, just to let him know that he's a disturbance and promised to be back in our room on time. The facial is a quick 30 minutes of cleansing, toning and moisturizing with none the less than Pevonia's sensual products.

One of my top essential beauty regimen is a non-invasive facial. As much as I would love to have millias and blackheads pricked, my skin finds it hard to heal right away, one sign of aging that is. So Aum's signature facial is perfect for me. The techniques partnered with Pevonia products are just what a woman nearing her forties need. As much as I would still want to get more shut eye, my husbands calls bothered me so I just lavished on this, wide-awaken and savoring every aromatic ingredients dumped on my face.

The express facial includes these following process:

1. Facial cleaning with a foaming balm cleanser

2 Skin exfoliation with Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser which gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture. The Jojoba beads combined with Saponaria, and Chamomile has the power to wash away impurities and toxins from the outer layer of the skin.

3. Massage.

4. Waterlily mask to seal in all the herbal infusions in the products applied.

5. Lastly, moisturizing cream is applied. The one that's not greasy.

I so love the calming and repairing benefits of waterlily, green tea and proline for my sensitized and dehydrated skin. This is great for after sun exposure, as it restores lost moisture and vanquishes free radicals that cause premature skin aging.

Another thing quite noticeable is that the treatment is extended up to the decollete, so not only my face got the royal treatment, my neck and chest had it too.

A good hot green tea ended the dreamy escape from the daily grind.

So here is foodie momma, after the spa treatments, happy and wholesome again and ready for more challenges ahead!

Thankful for that opulence of getting a soothing break, I flaunted my rejuvenated body and newly hydrated skin at Lantaw Restaurant with our new-found friends from Cebu.

The bare-faced me on the far left...See how my skin radiates without looking glossy or oily? I just love it! How can you not get addicted?

I hope when you decided to visit Cebu, Crimson Resort and Spa can be part of your itinerary and don't leave without experiencing total spampering at Aum Spa and Wellness Center.

For more information regarding Pevonia's products, below are their contact details

My fiance and I are planning to visit Cebu. At first, we're thinking if there are a lot of places to visit in Cebu since he's kinda doubtful. Reading this post and the previous one, I can definitely encourage him to visit the province.

Looks very beautiful! I am very impressed to know about their facilities. Thanks for sharing about this information. This is the best luxurious place for relaxation and spa and wellness center. Their providing system are really impressive. I am very excited to go here next month.

About Me

A foodie, a mom to four. a wife, a baker, a business owner and a friend to many!
Method to my madness:
1. Frequent visits to places I love.
2. Fill up my home with lovely memories were eating is the medium.
3. Write my mind out!